Episodios

  • Model, Diplomat, CEO: Sarah Tsai’s Unbelievable Journey To America

    Model, Diplomat, CEO: Sarah Tsai’s Unbelievable Journey To America
    Jul 11 2025
    Join Clara Matonhodze Strode and Bryan Wright on "Roots, Routes & Voices that Shape America" as they converse with Sarah Tsai—model, diplomat, CEO, and founder of Sarah Tsai Consulting. Sarah shares her journey from Taiwan to Cincinnati, highlighting her multicultural upbringing and early aspirations in diplomacy. She discusses the challenges of changing careers as an immigrant and her successful integration into Cincinnati’s business and start-up scene. Through honest reflections on her family's influence and her diverse experiences in academia and global industries, Sarah illustrates her resilience and sense of identity. From pet sitting after earning a master’s degree to navigating boardrooms and personal relationships, this episode delves into the immigrant experience in America, demonstrating how each unique path contributes to the community we call home.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction
    01:37 - "Sarah Tsai: Global Impact Leader"
    05:49 - Taiwan Political Analyst Experience
    11:41 - Rethinking College's Financial Impact
    18:26 - Village Life: Free & Happy
    23:52 - Pet Sitting and Life Journeys
    30:59 - Corporate Innovation & Networking Experiences
    33:48 - Navigating Gender Dynamics and Parenthood
    41:51 - Dating Cultural Differences Explored
    47:30 - Balancing Parental Expectations
    50:38 - Future Skills & Entrepreneur Insights
    53:34 - Solopreneur Financial Pressures
    01:00:42 - Startup Exit Strategies Explained
    01:08:13 - "Cincinnati's Unique Food Traditions"
    01:12:58 - "Embracing Growth and Community"
    01:15:13 - Podcast Acknowledgments and Credits
    01:15:39 - Outro

    Quotes:

    "Discover your strengths, cultivate empathy, and remember: our children's future careers are yet to be imagined. Live authentically, not by others' expectations."- Sarah Tsai

    "Roots are more than our origins—they're the stories and journeys that shape our voices and our community."- Clara Matonhodze Strode

    "Every story and voice can ignite change. By listening deeply, we create an inclusive future for all."- Bryan Wright

    Key Takeaways:

    Redefining Ambition Across Continents
    The Courage to Pivot
    Breaking Barriers, Defying Stereotypes
    Building Community, Honoring Heritage
    The Immigrant Hustle, Unseen and Universal
    From Innovation to Authenticity
    Raising the Next Generation
    Finding Your Voice in the Midwest and Beyond

    Call To Action: Visit https://www.cincinnaticompass.org/ to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.
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    1 h y 16 m
  • Breaking Barriers: Dr. Kotagal Shashi Kant On Medicine, Immigration, And The American Dream

    Breaking Barriers: Dr. Kotagal Shashi Kant On Medicine, Immigration, And The American Dream
    Jul 4 2025
    Welcome to Roots, Routes & Voices that Shape America, a Cincinnati Compass podcast that highlights the journeys of immigrants contributing to our nation's growth. In today’s episode, “Breaking Barriers: Dr. Kotagal Shashi Kant on Medicine, Immigration, and the American Dream,” hosts Clara Matonhodze Strode and Bryan Wright speak with Dr. Kotagal Shashi Kant.

    Dr. Kant’s path takes him from a small town in India to the esteemed All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and ultimately to a distinguished career in nephrology in the United States. He shares his experience of pursuing the American dream as an immigrant, discussing cultural adjustments, overcoming discrimination, and embracing values like humility, gratitude, and service. His story highlights the importance of investing in a new community and how acts of giving—whether through knowledge, care, or kindness—forge meaningful connections.

    Join us as Dr. Kant recounts the challenges he faced and the milestones he achieved in medicine and mentorship. He offers valuable advice for new immigrants striving to find their place and thrive in America. This conversation delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the true meaning of home.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction
    00:12 - Regrets from Unused Potential
    05:58 - Choices: Influence and Circumstances
    07:40 - "India's Dollar Restriction Challenge"
    12:10 - "Immigrant Transition and Materialism"
    15:31 - Mistaken Identity at Conference
    17:26 - Challenging Perceptions and Seeking Knowledge
    22:25 - Inexpensive, Elite Indian Medical School
    23:47 - "Brain Drain: An Opportunity"
    29:31 - "Empathy in Clinical Care"
    32:43 - Discovering Penicillin: A Curiosity Breakthrough
    35:07 - Antarctica: Wildlife Adventure Experience
    36:43 - The Privilege of Giving
    42:26 - Immigration and American Identity Debate
    44:36 - "Migration Driven by Climate Change"
    46:39 - Embracing Cultural Engagement
    50:35 - "Advice for Immigrants Facing Bias"
    53:45 - "Advice for New Immigrants"
    57:10 - Gratitude for Inspiring Conversation
    57:54 - Outro

    Quotes:

    "Invest in your community and embrace it as your home."- Dr. Kotagal Shashi Kant

    "Contentment fosters peace, pride, and endless possibilities."- Clara Matonhodze Strode

    "Together, we build our home. Every voice shapes our future."- Bryan Wright

    Key Takeaways:

    Gratitude Over Entitlement
    Roots and Routes Shape Us
    Medicine as Service, Not Just Success
    The Strength and Strategy of Immigrants
    Giving Back and Building Community
    Challenging Stereotypes and Embracing Diversity
    Lifelong Learning and Curiosity
    Legacy of Service and Empathy
    Claim Your Place, Stand Tall

    Connect with Dr. Kotagal Shashi Kant
    Website: https://med.uc.edu/depart/intmed/divisions/nephrology/fellowship-programs/nephrology-fellowship/fellow-directory/index/pubs/kants

    Call To Action:Visit https://www.cincinnaticompass.org/ to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.
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    58 m
  • From Ghana To True Shea: Manny Addo On Building A Business With Soul

    From Ghana To True Shea: Manny Addo On Building A Business With Soul
    Jun 27 2025
    In this episode of Roots, Routes, and Voices, hosts Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright speak with Manny Addo, the founder of True Shea. Manny brings West Africa's prized beauty secret—100% pure shea butter—to American homes through his Cincinnati-based company.

    Raised in Ghana, Manny shares his journey from aspiring medical doctor to entrepreneur after the loss of his mother at fifteen. He details his early ventures selling shoes and teaching in a remote village, highlighting the essential role of shea butter in both skincare and sustenance.

    Upon moving to the United States with just $600, Manny pursued higher education in Cincinnati. With the help of supportive mentors and his own resilience, he transitioned from a career in finance to launching True Shea.

    Manny discusses the challenges of bridging cultures, building a business as an immigrant, and his dedication to giving back by funding water wells in Ghana. His story offers valuable insights for those navigating entrepreneurship and seeking to make a meaningful impact.

    Manny Addo is the CEO of True Shea, a black-owned natural beauty care company committed to empowering Ghanaian women. True Shea products are available nationwide at Kroger, Target, Amazon, and Jungle Jim’s International Market.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction
    01:26 - Origins of My Entrepreneurship Journey
    08:47 - Shea Butter: Versatile and Edible
    15:36 - Inspired to Impact: Shea Butter Journey
    17:00 - Immigrant Journey and Giving Back
    25:50 - "Untaught Business Essentials: Building Trust"
    32:15 - Balancing Authenticity and Market Expansion
    38:06 - Exploring Stereotypes in African Entrepreneurship
    40:33 - Journey to Cincinnati
    47:55 - Adjusting Speech for Clarity
    52:43 - Product Sales Support Clean Water
    59:53 - Motivational Speech to African Professionals
    01:01:26 - "Join Our Podcast Community"
    01:02:16 - Outro

    Quotes:

    "Inspiring change starts within us. When we give back, we transform communities."- Clara Matonhodze

    "Success is collective. The immigrant journey is about uplifting others as we rise together."- Bryan Wright

    "From a remote village to America's biggest stores, anything is possible with perseverance."- Manny Addo

    Key Takeaways:

    From Humble Beginnings in Ghana to Entrepreneurial Success in America
    The Power of Cultural Bridges: Shea Butter as a Connector
    Building a Business, Building Community
    Navigating New Norms and Cultural Integration
    Making Success About More Than Just Yourself
    Perseverance—The Underrated Ingredient
    Authenticity as an Advantage
    Inspiring the Next Wave

    Connect with Manny Addo:
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/manny-addo-54b5767
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/true.shea.butter/#
    Website: https://www.naturalsheacare.com/about-us/

    Call To Action:
    Visit http://www.cincinnaticompass.org to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Belonging Beyond Borders: Nazly Mamedova's Journey From Post-Soviet To Cincinnati

    Belonging Beyond Borders: Nazly Mamedova's Journey From Post-Soviet To Cincinnati
    Jun 20 2025
    In this episode of "Roots, Routes & Voices That Shape America," we introduce Nazly Mamedova, an immigration attorney whose personal history fuels her commitment to her clients. Born in the Soviet Union, Nazly's journey to American citizenship was shaped by her family's deportations under Stalin and her upbringing across diverse cultures and languages.

    Nazly shares her experience of settling in Cincinnati, where she established her legal practice to support immigrant communities in the Tri-State area. Fluent in seven languages, she navigates the complexities of immigration law with expertise, particularly in juvenile and domestic relations matters. Her work emphasizes the importance of community support and resilience in achieving the American dream.

    Join hosts Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright as they explore Nazly's story, uncovering the challenges and triumphs of the immigrant experience and highlighting the enduring power of hope and determination.

    Nazly Mamedova provides legal assistance to immigrant communities, handling cases in juvenile and domestic relations within immigration settings. She is fluent in Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Uzbek, Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Crimean Tatar, enabling her to connect deeply with her clients and uphold their personal and professional relationships.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction
    01:06 - Polyglot Journey Through Ancestral Relocation
    03:21 - Forced Deportations and Ethnic Cleansing
    08:21 - Bilingual Language Mixing
    10:15 - Helping Ukrainian Immigrants Adapt
    15:29 - Language Barriers and Rights Violations
    16:56 - Generational Stories Shape Identity
    22:55 - Law School Internships Experience
    27:06 - "Attorney of the Year Recognition Impact"
    30:30 - Bringing Hope Through Legal Guidance
    33:04 - Story Highlights: Nazly's Journey
    36:52 - America: A Diverse Immigrant Experience
    38:22 - NPR: A Testament to American Generosity
    42:04 - Language and Cultural Barriers
    45:01 - Supporting Ukrainian Families Locally
    49:52 - "Writing My Immigrant Story"
    53:41 - Production Credits and Acknowledgments
    54:14 - Outro

    Quotes:

    "In America, strength comes from embracing diverse stories and uplifting each other."- Clara Matonhodze

    "Our shared experiences build understanding and empathy in a complex world."- Bryan Wright

    "Community spirit and the pursuit of the American dream fuel hope and every victory."- Nazly Mamedova

    Key Takeaways:

    A Canvas of Languages and Cultures
    Historical Roots and Personal Calling
    Overcoming Integration Barriers
    Challenging Misconceptions
    An Advocate for Community and Change
    Living the American Dream with Purpose

    Connect with Nazly Mamedova:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazlymamedova/
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nazlylaw
    Website:https://www.nazlylaw.com/

    Call To Action:
    Visit http://www.cincinnaticompass.org to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.
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    49 m
  • The Holy, The Hilarious & The Hall: David Chimusoro’s Cincinnati Trilogy

    The Holy, The Hilarious & The Hall: David Chimusoro’s Cincinnati Trilogy
    Jun 13 2025
    Welcome to "Roots, Routes, Voices," a podcast highlighting immigrant narratives that influence Cincinnati and beyond. Hosted by Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright, today’s episode features David Chimusoro, whose life story unfolds as a trilogy in the Queen City.

    David’s journey begins in Zimbabwe and leads him through roles in Cincinnati's megachurch, city hall, and comedy stages. Raised in a creative family, he learned the importance of storytelling and humor in adapting to new environments.

    In our conversation, we follow David’s moves between continents, explore lessons from Zimbabwean folk tales, and examine his transition into filmmaking and stand-up comedy. We also discuss his vision for American urban development, the complexities of immigrant identity, and the significance of embracing one’s heritage and voice.

    Join us as we delve into "The Holy, The Hilarious & The Hall: David Chimusoro’s Cincinnati Trilogy"—a story of legacy, humor, and community building.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction
    00:11 - "Artistic and Curious Upbringing"
    04:43 - "Empowered Upbringing Drives Ambition"
    07:25 - Generational Perspectives on Freedom
    13:03 - "Clay Child Folktale"
    13:42 - "The Perils of Self-Molding"
    19:41 - Discovering Comedy: From Zimbabwe to Open Mic
    23:06 - Comedy: Society’s Reflective Mirror
    25:54 - Marketplace of Conversation Benefits
    27:56 - "Garden City Model: Unity in Duality"
    33:51 - Film Camp Influences Student's Path
    37:09 - "Creative Passion and Early Influence"
    41:28 - Rebranding Cincinnati's Image
    44:16 - Family Investment and Legacy
    45:41 - Cincinnati Hip Hop Photographer Journey
    49:10 - "Empowerment Through Collective Growth"
    53:21 - Creative Freedom: Embracing Spontaneity
    58:29 - African Samurai: Yasuke's Unique Story
    59:17 - Global Adventures Through a Camera
    01:00:46 - Outro

    Quotes:

    "You are enough. Embrace it, and you'll build something that lifts others."- David Chimusoro

    "Our stories span continents, shaping every place we call home."- Clara Matonhodze

    "When a community believes in you, possibilities grow from 'I am enough' to 'we are more.'"- Bryan Wright

    Key Takeaways:

    The Power of Storytelling
    Confidence Born Free
    Family as Foundation
    Comedy as Truth-Telling
    Cincinnati: More Than a Punchline
    Gardens Over Empires
    Returning, Not Retreating
    You Are Enough

    Connect with David Chimusoro:
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-chimusoro-364426139

    Call To Action:
    Visit https://www.cincinnaticompass.org to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected about upcoming community events.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Pilot Episode

    Pilot Episode
    Jun 7 2025
    Born from lived experience and deep curiosity, Roots, Routes & Voices explores what it means to leave, to arrive, to adapt, and to thrive. From boardrooms to grocery store aisles, from mother tongues to second homes, the podcast delves into the layers of identity, integration, and belonging. It’s about the beauty and bravery of becoming, the messiness of culture, and the stories of people not just surviving immigration — but reshaping America through it.
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    10 m